A facile preparation of poly(ethylene oxide)-modified medical polyurethane to improve hemocompatibility

• PU films were modified with PEO by a facile, environment-friendly approach.
• The hemocompatibility of the PEO-coated PU was significantly improved.
• PEO-coated PU films were very hydrophilic.
• The higher molecular weight of PEO shows better hemocompatibility.

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has been widely applied in the modification of biomaterials because it shows high hydrophilicity and excellent biocompatibility. In the current study, the surface of medical polyurethane (PU) films was modified to improve hydrophilicity and hemocompatibility by a facile method without catalyst. PU films were modified directly using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with various molecular weights. The existence, morphology, hydrophilicity and hemocompatibility were approved and studied respectively by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angel measurement and platelet-rich plasma adhesion study. Compared with the raw counterpart, the PEO-modified PU films have significant improved hydrophilicity and reduced platelet adhesion, as well as less shape deformation, especially for the one modified by the PEO (Mn = 300,000). These substantial improvements indicate potential application as blood-contacting coating in medical device.

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